Chapter 24The Business of Farming
In Canada we are lucky in that we do not think about Food – We take it for granted.
Agriculture depends on 4 Natural Interactions:
1.Climate2.Soils3.Biology4.Topography
Climate: Two variables are looked at.
1. Solar Energy (Heat) – Canada cannot grow Bananas (outside at least) – Why?
Growing Degree Days (GDD) – Number of degrees the temperature exceeds 6 degrees.EG: If the average temperature on May 3 was 14 – then it would contribute 8 growing degree days (14-6=8). In the Toronto area we get on average 2200 growing degree days each year.
Once a farmer knows this he can determine what crops he/she may wish to grow. A farmer can also determine how to apply Fertilizer, Herbicide and Pesticide to his land by knowing the number of growing degree days.
Growing Season – average number of days the temperature stays above 6 degrees
Frost-Free Period – the number of days between the last frost in the spring and the first in the autumn.
2. Moisture – Precipitation and Evapotranspiration
Soil:Remember – Humus, mineral matter, water and air. Remember Calcified and Leached soils. Soil preparation is key.
Biology: Careful of insects and weeds, worms are good and so are bees
Topography: Ideally you want level, well drained land – Fertile Valleys and Deltas are best.
Correcting Deficiencies
Few areas in Canada have a perfect combination of rich soil, level land, good biological conditions, sufficient moisture, and a long growing season. Below are some Deficiencies – let’s try to Adjust for them.
1.Growing Season too short or too cool
2. Insufficient Moisture
3. Infertile Soil
4.Hilly Terrain
5. Low-lying, wet terrain
6.Shortage of beneficial insects
7.Excess of harmful insects
8.Excess of Weeds
What is the conditions are not right for Farming – Correcting Deficiencies
The Importance of Agriculture to Canada
Land: The Basic Resource
The Changing Farm:
Types of Farming:
Issues facing the modern day Canadian Farmer
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